Choosing a Bariatric Manual Wheelchair
When a person has weight problems, a basic wheelchair might be too small. A bariatric manual wheelchair enables overweight individuals to have mobility and convenience.
Attendees will learn 3 factors impacting wheelchair seating and mobility for bariatric customers in addition to assessment parts unique to this population. The presentation will likewise examine a variety of devices.
Size and Weight Capacity

When choosing a wheelchair, it's crucial to consider its size and weight capacity. Bariatric chairs are specifically developed to accommodate larger people, with broader seats and more powerful frames than basic wheelchairs. They are typically used in healthcare facilities and long-lasting care facilities to supply comfort and enhanced mobility for patients with serious specials needs, amputations, and other health conditions that trigger obesity.
It is also an excellent idea to ask a physical therapist or medical professional for a face-to-face assessment before making your purchase. They can evaluate your medical requirements, lifestyle, and mobility objectives and recommend the very best chair for you. The therapist or doctor will be able to assist you pick the ideal bariatric wheelchair and compose you a prescription, which you can utilize to make an application for insurance financing or private financing.
In addition to the size and weight capacity of a wheelchair, you'll likewise wish to consider its frame materials and seating choices. A bariatric wheelchair is generally made with a heavier-duty frame of reinforced steel, which offers toughness and stability for the user. It is also most likely to have larger wheels to accommodate the extra weight and use a smoother ride.
For convenience, the frame of a bariatric manual wheelchair can be folded, which permits it to fit easily into storage or transport automobiles. It can likewise be adjusted to the best height for the person, which is helpful for security and comfort. Some chairs even include anti-tippers, which avoid the pushchair from tipping in reverse when traveling up slopes.
Having the right wheelchair can enhance your mobility, which is essential for keeping a good quality of life. With higher mobility, you can get out more, see friends or household members, and delight in an active way of life. Keeping your wheelchair well-kept will also assist you avoid any mishaps or injuries, so it's crucial to carry out routine maintenance tasks. This might include taking a look at the wheels and frame for any fractures or damage and repairing or replacing them as needed. It is likewise a great concept to routinely clean your wheelchair with moderate soap and water to get rid of any dirt or dust that may have accumulated.
Seating
Lots of bariatric wheelchairs are developed with additional support, a higher weight capacity and broader seat dimensions to accommodate larger users. These features permit the chair to take more pressure off the user's body while providing a comfy seat and making sure that the user is correctly supported through their journey. This is particularly crucial for those with lung or cardiovascular issues, as these chairs can help them breath more quickly and remain upright while they are seated.
An excellent quality bariatric wheelchair will also include a backrest that can be gotten used to take into account the user's centre of gravity and posture, while also taking into consideration whether or not they need assistance in their lower and upper back region. It will also have the ability to offer more versatility in the positioning of the armrests and footrests. The chair might even have the ability to be slanted forwards or backwards, to permit the user to find a position that suits their private requirements best.
Getting the best bariatric wheelchair will make it possible for a user to enjoy higher mobility, which in turn helps improve their general health and well-being by permitting them to head out more and socialise with loved ones members. It will likewise enable them to stay independent, which can help them keep a high quality of life, even after surgery or injury that results in limited mobility.
The proper chair will also be able to supply comfort and stability, which will make it much easier for the user to travel long distances, as well as assisting to lower fatigue from extended durations of time in the exact same seating position. In order to ensure the very best possible outcome, it's crucial that a bariatric manual wheelchair is matched with a certified healthcare specialist who can perform a face-to-face assessment of the user's mobility needs and make recommendations about the most suitable type of chair.
If you want to discover more about the variety of bariatric wheelchairs offered at Quantum Rehab, speak to among our RESNA-certified rehabilitation experts by phone or online to establish an examination appointment. We'll go over the specifics of your circumstance, determine what type of wheelchair you need and advise on a financing option that will work for you.
Stability
For wheelchair users, stability is an essential aspect to think about. Unlike standard manual wheelchairs that are created to accommodate people of average body weight, bariatric wheelchairs are specially designed to support bigger users with greater stability and safety. bariatric high back wheelchair have a wider seat and stronger frames that allow them to bring heavier weight capacities. They likewise feature functions such as anti-tippers, which help prevent the chair from tipping backwards when taking a trip up slopes.
By supplying more stability, a bariatric manual wheelchair can improve the mobility and quality of life of its users. It enables them to travel around their home, go shopping, and see good friends and neighbours without the need for assistance. In addition, it enables them to preserve a higher level of independence and self-reliance which is necessary for psychological health and general well-being.
To make sure that their wheelchair continues to work at a high level, users should routinely check it for indications of wear and tear and perform standard upkeep jobs such as cleaning and lubricating the wheels and frame. They should also prevent exposing it to extreme temperature levels or moisture, as this can harm the frame and trigger fractures. For included comfort, some models are offered with a warranty to offer replacement parts and repair work in case of a mechanical issue. This can give their family and caregivers added confidence in the wheelchair's durability and resilience.
Devices
There are a variety of wheelchair accessories that can be contributed to improve safety, support, and benefit for people who utilize a bariatric manual wheelchair. These accessories may consist of back canes, placing belts, and wheelchair cushions. Some are particularly created to enhance stability and prevent pressure injuries such as ulcers. The AliMed bariatric tri-foam cushion, for instance, features 3 layers of foam to ensure comfort and prevent bottoming out, while allowing air to distribute underneath the user.
Other wheelchair devices might be utilized to enhance benefit, including arm rests, foot plates, trays, and cup holders. These additional alternatives enable users to individualize their chair based on their needs and preferences. Some wheelchairs are also compatible with bariatric power seats.
A bariatric manual wheelchair is typically used in health centers and long-lasting care facilities to improve mobility for bigger people with health conditions or obesity. These specialized chairs have the ability to safely transport much heavier users and help avoid injury to both the user and caregivers during transfers.
Routine upkeep is necessary for any piece of medical equipment, and a wheelchair is no exception. Wheelchairs should be regularly examined, cleaned, and replaced as required. This assists to extend the lifespan and efficiency of the gadget, and it likewise ensures that it continues to work correctly. Carrying out these tasks can help to determine prospective problems before they become more major and potentially result in the requirement to replace the wheelchair entirely. ProHeal offers a variety of bariatric wheelchair replacement parts and accessories that can be utilized to carry out these regular jobs. This lowers costs and removes the requirement to acquire a totally brand-new wheelchair if only a single part is damaged.